CAN 2024: Collin Benjamin, fun and ambition to guide Namibia against Angola
Namibia, qualified for the round of 16 of an African Cup of Nations for the first time, challenges Angola this Saturday, January 27 in Bouaké. Collin Benjamin, the coach of the Brave Warriors, wants to be particularly relaxed and even comical before this big meeting.
Namibia coach Collin Benjamin on the eve of the CAN 2024 round of 16 against Angola in Bouaké on January 26, 2024. AFP - KENZO TRIBOUILLARD
By: Nicolas Bamba Follow
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From our special correspondent in Bouaké,
Everyone has their own method. Some coaches make a point of not letting anything show in front of the press, especially before important matches. Collin Benjamin has a different approach. It is a smiling, chatting and even teasing coach who approached the first round of 16 in the history of his country, Namibia, on the occasion of this
CAN 2024
.
This derby will be “
a special match
” where the Namibians will not start as favorites against Angola – quarter-finalist in 2008 and 2010 – admits the young 45-year-old coach. “
We prepared well, with a lot of seriousness and concentration. We want to put our speed and aggression on the ball against these very good Angolan players
,” he explains.
Read alsoCAN 2024: Calendar and results
“We still want a little more”
But whatever the upcoming result against the Palancas Negras at the Peace Stadium, “
it’s already a good CAN for us
,” says Collin Benjamin, saluting his men who managed to get through the first round, while their predecessors of 1998, 2008 and 2019 had failed. A performance that whets the Namibian appetite: “
You know what it is. Once you get to a certain point, you say to yourself “you know what, we can go further”. The hunger for victories is there. We still want a little more. It won't be easy, but we'll definitely try our luck.
»
“
We know we are still the challengers, but we are an exciting and hungry team. The guys are having a blast. We were able to play street football
against a top team like Mali
(in the first round, Editor's note). It was 0-0, yes, but everyone in the stadium was standing. Both teams played
,” insists the Namibia coach, who is counting on the solidarity and unity of his group to trap the Angolans.
Namibian coach Collin Benjamin joked a lot to the press on Friday January 26 in Bouaké. © Nicolas Bamba/RFI
“
Michael Knight, Superman, Batman don’t die!”
»
The sporting stakes are high in Bouaké, but that's not what will disturb Collin Benjamin's good mood. The technician is simply happy to be there, in Ivory Coast, for the big continental competition. His Namibia is still in the race “
and it’s fun, really fun
,” he enthuses.
The ex-midfielder savors his pleasure without sulking. “
It’s an exciting tournament, we have to enjoy it. Having fun while doing the best work in the world is a deadly combination
,” he promises. His speech contrasts with the usual standards of press conferences. “
The CAN is more than football. It’s African culture and African talent combined. (…) It's beautiful ! The world is watching us right now. (…) It’s more than football, guys, it’s the continent that shows the world that we’re here
,” he says, eulogistic.
Even when we talk about the hiccup of the first round, this
severe 0-4 defeat against South Africa
, Collin Benjamin retains the positive and dares to make unexpected comparisons: “
We are among the 16 best teams, brother! Some have returned but Namibia is there, and it was not written. In the films, it is written that Michael Knight, Superman, Batman do not die. And now we are in this club (laughs)!
»
See you at the final whistle to find out if the Brave Warriors are still alive in this CAN.
Read alsoCAN 2024: Posters for the round of 16
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